Ontario Premier Doug Ford Calls Marineland Situation "Terrible" Amid Whale Welfare Concerns
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has described the situation at Marineland, the Niagara Falls tourist attraction, as "terrible" due to the concerning state of the remaining whales. This follows reports of 20 whale deaths since 2019 and ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare at the park. The province is now considering options for the 30 remaining belugas and four dolphins.
The Plight of Belugas at Marineland
Marineland currently houses the last captive whales in Canada, after the country banned cetacean captivity in 2019. Premier Ford expressed his sorrow, stating his "heart breaks for the ‘poor whales’ held in captivity," emphasizing the responsibility of Marineland to ensure the health of the animals. The park's conditions and treatment of its marine mammals have been under scrutiny for years.
Export Permits and Potential Relocation
Facing financial challenges, reportedly spending $1 million per month to feed the whales, Marineland has requested export permits from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to move all of its belugas out of the country. The decision on whether to grant these permits rests with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson. One potential destination is Chimelong, a large zoo and aquarium company in China, which has expressed interest in acquiring the belugas.
Ontario's Investigation and Outstanding Orders
Ontario has been actively investigating Marineland since 2020, conducting over 200 inspections and issuing 33 orders for compliance. Despite these efforts, four long-term orders remain outstanding, focusing on: water quality, maintenance of the water system, record keeping for whales and dolphins, and the condition of enclosures, including enrichment levels for dolphins, seals, and sea lions. In 2021, the province declared all marine mammals at Marineland in distress, citing poor water quality.
Alternative Solutions and the Whale Sanctuary Project
While a law exists banning whale captivity, Marineland was grandfathered in but subjected to a breeding ban. Exceptions to the export ban can be made for scientific research or if it is deemed in the animal's best interest, at the discretion of the minister. The proposed Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, intended to provide a more natural environment for captive whales, remains “not operational” due to ongoing delays and land disputes. This project, with an estimated cost of $20 million, faces challenges securing unanimous consent from landowners for a Crown lease near Wine Harbour, N.S.
Political Perspectives and Calls for Action
Liberal parliamentary leader John Fraser criticized Premier Ford's comments as "empty" and questioned his lack of action over the past seven years. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner urged collaboration between Marineland, marine mammal experts, and the federal government to develop an action plan for the remaining whales and dolphins, emphasizing the need to prevent their future exploitation for entertainment. Phil Demers, a former Marineland trainer and critic, has also been in contact with Ford discussing options, including the possibility of seizing the park.
